Gross was talking about the recovery Brandon LaFellmade of his own fumble after a 30-yard reception during a fourth-quarter scoring drive that pushed Carolina’s precarious 17-10 lead to a more comfortable 24-10 advantage.

And the fumble happened in almost the same spot on the field as DeAngeloWilliams’ lost fumble in the frustrating 12-7 season-opening loss to Seattle.

Now, Carolina has the chance to make such a good bounce give it a chance for what previously was unthinkable — a division title.

Gross was talking about the recovery Brandon LaFellmade of his own fumble after a 30-yard reception during a fourth-quarter scoring drive that pushed Carolina’s precarious 17-10 lead to a more comfortable 24-10 advantage.

And the fumble happened in almost the same spot on the field as DeAngeloWilliams’ lost fumble in the frustrating 12-7 season-opening loss to Seattle.

Now, Carolina has the chance to make such a good bounce give it a chance for what previously was unthinkable — a division title.

“It would be a big deal for the organization,” defensive end Greg Hardy said of such a prospect after being told about New Orleans’ 26-20 loss at the New York Jets. “But we have to stay focused on what’s next. If we look ahead, we’ll get in trouble. We have to focus on next week and the next game.”

As fate would have it, Carolina doesn’t meet New Orleans for another month but then plays the Saints twice in three weeks.

Until then, the 5-3 Panthers visit San Francisco next week, then host New England, visit Miami and host Tampa Bay until the Dec. 8 game at New Orleans. The Saints (6-2) host Dallas and San Francisco, thenvisit Atlanta and Seattle before hosting the Panthers.

And the second contest between the teams is 14 days later — Dec. 22 — in Charlotte.

“It’s interesting how the schedule turns out with us playing them two times in three weeks,” Gross said. “We’ve got to hope those games will matter.”

… Effective return

After missing 12 straight games due to an ankle injury, Jonathan Stewart was back in action.

How eager were the Carolina Panthers’ fans to see him?

Even when a delayed handoff to him went for minus-2 yards on his first carry of the game early in the second quarter, they cheered loudly at the end of the play.

“It was good to be back with the fellas, especially getting that win in a divisional game,” said Stewart, who finished with a team-high 43 yards rushing (on nine carries) and caught three passes for 22 yards. “It’s just a blessing. I spent a lot of time off — and I’m overdue it feels like.”

… Banged-up offensive line

The only bad news for the Panthers was the injuries suffered by right guards Chris Scott (knee) and Jeff Byers (ankle).

Scott sprained his knee and more medical tests will be run on Monday, while Byers was on crutches and had a walking boot on his injured foot after Sunday’s game.

“We’ll have to check,” Panthers coachRon Rivera said about potential personnel changes on the line. “It gets a little scary when all that happens.”

On Sunday, the listed tackle backup Nate Chandler ended up playing right guard in place of Scott and Byers.

… Kicking domination

Graham Gano’sextraordinary kicking season continued Sunday as he booted a season-high 55-yard field goal among his two field goals and four extra points. He had five touchbacks out of seven kickoffs.

It means Ganois 12-of-12 on field goals and 24-of-24 on extra points this season in addition to booting 35 touchbacks out of 45 kickoffs.

… Streak-snapper

Atlanta entered Sunday’s game in Charlotte having yielded only three first-quarter points on the season.

But after forcing a three-and-out on Carolina’s first drive, a Luke Kuechlyinterception of a Matt Ryan pass set up 39-yard scoring drive for the first touchdown the Falcons have allowed in the first quarter this season.